INEOS changes its mind about Carlos Rodriguez

The future of Carlos Rodriguez has taken a turn in recent days. If everything seemed set for him to join Movistar, now the debate is between joining the Spanish team or renewing his contract with INEOS. The great performance in the Tour would have changed the plans of his current formation, pending also if Evenepoel arrives. Brailsford, the team's top manager, assures that they are very happy with him and are postponing the final decision until the end of the French race.

Carlos Rodriguez's decision: either Movistar or INEOS

Carlos Rodríguez shone brightly to take victory in one of the Tour's big stages —or the biggest— and is a strong candidate for the final podium in Paris. The Granada-born rider's performance has made him the leader of the INEOS team, quite a heroic performance for a 22-year-old who rides alongside stars like Tom Pidcock and Egan Bernal.

The signing for Movistar seemed to be a done deal, as several media had been saying for months to the delight of the fans: one of the greatest promises of Spanish cycling wearing the jersey of the Spanish team. However, although the negotiations for the agreement were advanced, the truth is that there would still be the possibility of pulling back and canceling it.

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INEOS has been Carlos Rodriguez's home for four years. It is, therefore, the team with which he has taken his first steps in the elite and which has trained him since then. The British team has changed its opinion about the rider from Granada after his great performance in the Tour. The two weeks of competition on French soil would have served to revive interest in the young Spaniard, who could be a very important future asset for them.

Dave Brailsford, head of INEOS, declared that "we are very happy for Carlos, and added that "let's hope he finishes third in the Tour and then we will make a decision". If they finally decide to try to hold on to him and dynamite his signing, INEOS would put the money machine to work and could offer him a contract that would be hard to refuse.

Brailsford was also full of praise for the Spanish rider: "I like him above all because he's very intelligent, he's going to learn a lot. That's the best thing, his ability to learn makes him continue to progress. And because of his intelligence he still has a lot of room for progression. He's not just anyone. And he's very nice. Everybody likes him, everybody is comfortable with him. He has a fantastic character. He has a very good mentality. He's very, very good, yes."

Evenepoel, the card that can change the whole game

An attractive offer and staying with the same team, with the routine and work method already learned, could tip the balance towards renewal, although everything would be blown up if Evenepoel ends up signing for INEOS. The desire of the British team is to have Remco, who, although he has a valid contract with Soudal-Quick Step, his future is still uncertain.

This move would open the exit door for Carlos Rodriguez almost immediately. Although all are assumptions, because although INEOS already has a squad of the highest level, many of its figures could leave in the short-medium term: Geraint Thomas has to renew but is already 37 years old, Egan Bernal finishes his contract in 2026 but has not recovered his best level and Tao Geoghegan Hart ends his contract with the team at the end of the year and could look for another destination.

However, the most important thing is what Carlos Rodriguez himself has in mind. Something that for the moment has not been revealed. As of today, it is up to him to give the green light to his arrival at Movistar and follow the plan as planned, or to back out and stay at INEOS.

In any case, there is not much time left to clear up the mystery. Brailsford explained that the decision will be made once the Tour is over. This is all that is known so far, although it won't be long before we have more information.